Most parents walk into IEP or 504 meetings hoping to advocate for their child, but unfortunately, many of them walk out feeling unheard, overwhelmed, and unsure of what just happened.

In this episode of The Soaring Child podcast, Dana sits down with attorney and licensed clinical mental health clinician Paula Yost to break down exactly why these meetings feel so difficult and what you can do to change that. Paula brings a rare and deeply valuable perspective, combining legal expertise with real-life experience as a mom navigating the system herself. She is the author of Tumbleweeds: How to Be an Advocate for Your Children and Yourself in a Failing System.

You'll learn the critical differences between IEPs and 504 plans (and why many children with ADHD are often placed in the wrong one), how to recognize when your child isn't truly being supported (even if their grades look "fine"), and what to say in the moment when you feel dismissed or unheard.

This conversation is packed with practical strategies, real scripts you can use immediately, and empowering insights to help you walk into your next school meeting with clarity and confidence. Most importantly, it will remind you that you have the right to advocate for your child every step of the way.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW

Paula's Website - https://paulayost.com
Paula's book, Tumbleweeds - https://amzn.to/3O2ej9y

CONNECT WITH PAULA YOST

Website: https://paulayost.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulajyostauthor
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paulayostauthor

KEY TAKEAWAYS [00:01] Why parents often leave school meetings feeling unheard [04:34] The real reason IEP meetings feel so difficult [06:08] The mismatch between parent and school goals [06:47] What FAPE means and why it matters [07:17] Key difference between IEP and 504 [09:13] Why IEPs matter long-term for your child [10:20] High IQ masking ADHD struggles [13:00] Signs your child isn't properly supported [16:18] Common mistakes parents make in meetings [19:36] What to say when you're not being heard [21:11] What to do if your child doesn't qualify [24:13] Why after-school crashes matter [26:39] 3 things to prepare before a meeting [27:47] Emotional reality of advocacy [29:31] You always have the right to another meeting

MEMORABLE MOMENTS "It's not a fair fight."

"That IEP is a legal document that follows you all the way through your life."

"The height of the IQ is masking the ADHD."

"I feel like I'm not being heard."

"We have to let them fail until they're nine."

"You are paying for your attorney and their attorney."

"I have never left anything as upset as I was when I have left an IEP meeting."

"Some days are just going to be like that."

"You always have the right to another meeting."

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